John I. Wallace was elected to office in 2011. With a background in law enforcement spanning 24 years, Sheriff Wallace had been named the Chief of Police in Madison, Indiana in 2008. Prior being named Chief, Wallace was a Detective for eight years. As Chief, Wallace resurrected the D.A.R.E. Program, K9 Program, implemented Neighborhood Watches, expanded the bike patrols and developed a local Emergency Response Team.

Chief Deputy -David Thomas

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy is David Thomas. With a background in law enforcement and security; Chief Deputy Thomas brings over 31 yeas of combined experience to the Sheriff’s Office. By focusing on administrative services, Chief Deputy Thomas will help to increase public service and eliminate some administrative assignments other officers.

Jail Information

Jail Commander: Linda Pietrykowski
Deputy Jail Commander: John Bible
Inmates of the Jefferson County Jail will have several privileges including visitation, telephone, commissary and others. The inmates conduct while incarcerated will determine where they are housed and which privileges and programs they may be eligible for while incarcerated.

County Information

Jefferson County, Indiana , is on the north bank of the Ohio River, is as much of a delight to visitors today as it was to settlers two centuries ago. Historic Madison, Hanover and the towns and farms of the county still retain their rich American Heritage. Historic architecture provides a colorful backdrop to a successful community for business farming, small industry and education. Entertainment abounds. Festivals, music and theater, sports, hydroplane racing, and hometown celebrations are enjoyed in an agreeable climate with friendly folks.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

WINTER SAFETY

Timely preparation, including structural and non-structural mitigation measures to avoid the impacts of severe winter weather, can avert heavy personal, business and government expenditures. Experts agree that the following measures can be effective in dealing with the challenges of severe weather.

BEFORE SEVERE WEATHER ARRIVES

Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark.

Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.

Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.

Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community; e.g.

“winter storm watch” --- Be alert, a storm is likely

“winter storm warning” --- Take action, the storm is in or entering the area

Winterize your house, barn, shed, and any other structure that may provide shelter for you and your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors, windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

If you think you might want to volunteer in case of a disaster, now is the time to let voluntary organizations or the emergency services office know --- beforehand.

DURING ANY STORM OR EMERGENCY

Monitor you NOAA Weather Radio or keep a local radio and/or TV station on for information and emergency instructions.

Have your emergency survival kit ready to if told to evacuate.

If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions:

For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight; warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Were a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow or flooding conditions.

If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off utilities if told to, then leave immediately, following routes designated by local officials.

DURING A FLOOD

Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep; even 6 inches of rapidly running water can sweep you off your feet.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately – if you can – and seek higher ground.

DURING A WINTER STORM

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms.

Avoid travel if possible. If you must ravel, do so during daylight. Don’t travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule.

IF A BLIZZARD TRAPS YOU IN YOUR CAR

Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle; rescuers are most likely to find you there.

Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm, cracking a downward window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Exercise to maintain body heat but don’t overexert. Huddle with other passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night, but be careful not to run the battery down. In remote areas spread a large cloth over the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes.

Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot. Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use distance points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of direction.

AFTER THE STORM

Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.

After blizzards, heavy snow or extreme cold, check to see that no physical damage has occurred and that water pipes are functioning. If there are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened before you attempt to drive anywhere.

Check on neighbors, especially any who might need help.

Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shoveling snow in extreme cold causes many heart attacks. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a mess to clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.

RETURNING TO YOUR HOME AFTER A FLOOD

Do not turn electricity back on if you smell gas or if the electric system has been flooded.

Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.

Do not handle electric equipment in wet areas.

Use flashlights, not lanterns, candles, or matches, to check buildings containing natural gas, propane, or gasoline.

Follow directions from local officials regarding the safety of drinking water.

Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood waters and throw out any such foodstuffs.

If you want to help other victims, give cash donations to the appropriate relief agencies to buy what the victims need. Donated goods such as used clothing, unlabeled and unsorted by size, is usually more of a logistical problem than a help. If particular items are needed. If particular items are needed, there will be public announcements and instructions concerning these.

Don’t go to the disaster scene on your own to volunteer. If you are already a volunteer, you will know where you are to report. If additional volunteers are needed for labor-intensive work like sandbagging, public announcements will be made.

The leading causes of death during winter storms are transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are keys to safe winter driving. BEFORE, have a mechanic check the following items on your car.

Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter season. Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call the State Police for the latest report of road and weather conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation. Dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing, layered, lightweight clothing. Carry food and water. Store a supply of high energy “munchies” and several bottles of water. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter driving.

Mission and Purposes

The mission of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is to protect and serve the community’s quest for a peaceful and safe existence, free from fear, and with democratic values applied equally to all citizens..More